VOL. I BOOK 4 CHAPTER II UNUSUAL MAINTENANCE The first incident requiring unusual maintenance was a fire which occurred in Bldg. 309 on 26 February 1952. The fire was caused by a failure of the thermostat in a drying oven. In combatting the fire it became necessary to cut away some sections of the building. in order to gain access. The drying oven was destroyed and this, plus the cost of damaged sections of the building, was estimated to total $1,978. 23. Resurfacing of the airfield runways and parking areas on Site Fred was accomplished in Jume and July of 1952 at a total cost of $152,153.00, of which $125, 153. 34 was classed as a maintenance charge. On 29 December 1952, the Jobsite was subjected to the rigors of typhoon "Hester''. At 0700 on this date it was noted that the velocity of the prevailing high winds was increasing, By 0915 a storm warning forecast was received from the Site Fred Weather Bureau; all division heads were immediately notified, and the Emergency and Disaster Plan was ordered into effect. All build: ings were secured, supplies and equipment were covered with tarpaulins where possible, and personnel who were housed in the tent area were removed to barracks. By 1100 the winds, accompanied by torrential rain, were estimated to be 55 knots. The most severe damage was sustained during the mid-afternoon; wind accom panied by rain at times developed an intensity of 70 knots. The high winds of the storm combined with high tides drove ocean waves inland from 100 to 300 feet beyond normal tide line. Throughout the afternoon, all available means were employed to protect personnel and property. Some minor personnel injuries were incurred, but none of a serious nature. Emergency precautions were continued throughout the night and during the period from 1700 to 0200 communication between Fred and Elmer was severed due to breaks in the telephone cables at the south end of Elmer. Communications were re-established at about 0200 on 30 December bya switch- over to the Army spare cable. At this time, approximately 0200hours, the winds began to subside and advice was received from the Fred Weather Bureau that the storm center had passed. On 30 December 1952, a personnel check was made and all personnel were accounted for. A preliminary survey of the area affected by the typhoon was also conducted to ascertain property damage. This survey revealed that damage within the CMR Area was limited to roof ventilators only. Damage on Site RETURN TO DOE/NV TECHNICAL INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTER 4-15